WALES has now entered a level four lockdown.

The news was announced yesterday by First Minister Mark Drakeford and means the relaxed restrictions over Christmas will not go ahead as planned.

This is what you need to know about the new lockdown.

When will Wales enter the lockdown?

The level four lockdown began in Wales from midnight.

What does this lockdown mean for Wales?

  • Non-essential retail, close contact services, gyms and leisure centres, and hospitality are closed
  • Essential businesses can remain open
  • Bars and restaurants can offer take-away only
  • Stay at home restrictions are in effect and people can only travel for 'essential' reasons

What does this mean for Christmas Day?

Two households can meet up for Christmas Day only; the five days of relaxed restrictions previously announced will no longer go ahead.

What about single-person households?

Throughout the Alert Level 4 period, a single person household will be able to join with one other household.

Why the sudden change?

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said the new strain of coronavirus was “genuinely part of the explanation” for a rapid surge in cases across Wales.

This variant of the virus is not thought to be more dangerous or lethal, but is believed to spread more rapidly than previous strains.